Vacheron Constantin / Verger Frères

• nickel lever movement, 17 jewels • gold dial, chapter ring within a scalloped frame with stylized gold Arabic numerals and centered by a gold rosette medallion, outlined by black enamel stringing, gold spandrels • gold bezel, carved onyx case with fixed gold bands terminating in lapis lazuli studs, the back of the clock composed of black enamel and fitted with retailer’s plaque, raised on nephrite columns surmounted on a rectangular onyx base repeating the gold band decoration, the base further cornered by lapis lazuli studs, all raised on nephrite block feet, the whole surmounted by a carved lapis lazuli winding crown • movement signed Vacheron Constantin, case signed by retailer, case further stamped VF for Verger Frères

Movement is running at the time of cataloguing, however it may require a service in the near future to be well preserved. Dial in good condition. Case in good condition. The inside of the case back is numbered 11089 and the same number is repeated on the movement surround. The movement is numbered 407745.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by its original fitted presentation case signed by Perera Joyero, Madrid. Further with its original Vacheron Constantin numbered certificate stamped VF for Verger Frères. 

The present lot is of particular note for its unparalleled aesthetic qualities and condition. It is fascinating and extremely rare to find a piece nearly 100 years old retaining its original presentation case and certificate. 

Interestingly, the document confirms that the piece was made specifically for Monsieur Prudencio Perera, Madrid, the owner of the esteemed Perero Joyero firm, located at Avenida de Jose Antonio, Madrid. Don Perera was a well-known figure in his community and was President of the Madrid Guild of Jewelers and Silversmiths.

Between 1880 and 1930, Vacheron Constantin worked in close collaboration with Verger Frères, a renowned French firm who was known to be the Paris representative of Vacheron Constantin. In this partnership, Vacheron Constantin would create movements, and upon arrival in Paris, Verger Frères would case them in watch and clock cases.

Many of the finest clocks known in the Art Deco period were collaborations by these two celebrated firms. These pieces made brilliant use of carved hardstones, favoring Eastern-themed motifs. Additional items from this collaboration were also retailed in many of the other fine jewelry salons of the era, such as Tiffany & Co., Lacloche Frères, Ostertag, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Black, Starr & Frost.

For similar examples made by Verger Frères for Vacheron Constantin, see Cologni, F., Secrets of Vacheron Constantin, p. 330.  See also pieces on view in the summer 2011 exhibition 'Treasures of Vacheron Constantin: A Legacy of Watchmaking since 1755', held at the National Museum of Singapore. These pieces are illustrated on pp. 179-181 of the exhibition catalogue.